23/11/2023
should not be isolated from activities in the Red Sea region, says top Ethiopian diplomat
While addressing the House of People's Representatives (HPR) Foreign Relations and Peace Standing Committee yesterday, Ambassador Misganu Arga, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, emphasized that Ethiopia should not be isolated from the activities in the region, as these activities directly or indirectly affect its national interest.
Ambassador Misganu highlighted the importance of safeguarding Ethiopia's national interests in the Red Sea area, which will be one of the key areas of focus in Ethiopia's diplomacy. He also emphasized that the issue of the Red Sea and access to ports should be viewed differently. Explaining his point further, Ambassador Misganu stated that since the Red Sea serves as a vital route for international trade, any adverse impact on its environment would also affect Ethiopia's interests.
Last week, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reiterated the administration's stance on securing a sea outlet and owning a port on the Red Sea coast. Addressing the parliament, he dismissed claims that Ethiopia's pursuit was a new agenda or aimed at threatening the sovereignty of neighboring countries in the Horn of .